GROOMING: ADVICE FROM AESTHETIC CONSULTANT JACOB STARR

It’s time to shake the stigma that just women care about how they look says Jacob Starr, an Aesthetic Consultant at Charlotte Plastic Surgery. He’s a sought-after source of advice for a growing number of male clients.

Even though the majority of Aesthetic Consultant Jacob Starr’s clients at Charlotte Plastic Surgery are female, looking good isn’t the interest of just one gender anymore.

“Men want to look good, too” Starr says. “It’s becoming more acceptable for them to come in and talk openly about their concerns about their skin and things they would like to change.”

He’s happy the stigma is being shaken.

“No matter what gender you are, the way you look effects your confidence, and men also want to be the best versions of themselves possible.”

You can find Jacob at Charlotte’ Plastic Surgery’s sleek new Brilliant Bar at its Randolph Road location. To book a free consultation, call 704-372-6846.

The O Report asked Jacob to share his favorite products and procedures for men 50 and up. (To see his list for women, click here).

AHA/BHA EXFOLIATING CLEANSER

“A cleanser is very important. This one exfoliates dead skin and improves tone and texture. It also has a brightening effect and you can use it morning and night.”

TOTAL DEFENSE + REPAIR BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 50+

“We have several versions of this — some have SPF 34 and they come tinted and untinted. The 50+ is great for overall sun protection. It protects your skin from the sun and UV rays, but also improves your overall appearance as well. It’s super lightweight and feels good on the skin.”

HA5

“Everyone over 50 needs this product. It has hyaluronic acid which instantly adds hydration to the skin. It also helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.”

COOLSCULPTING

“It’s the best nonsurgical fat reduction procedure. For men, it can help them achieve that ideal V shape. There’s no down time. You can have it done during your lunch break and then go back to the office.”

BOTOX

“With our talented nurse injectors, It’s such a natural looking treatment. You will look rested and relaxed but still able to move your face and have an expression.”

A HIT PRODUCT FOR MEN

Olay Regenerist is already a hit with women, but now men are increasingly becoming fans of this product that in lab results has proven to turn back the clock on skin after 28 days.

It’s engineered with supercharged formulas packed with amino-peptides for transformative results and younger-looking skin. Plus it plumps with hydration, firms to improve elasticity and helps correct the look of wrinkles - something we all want no matter our gender.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. $27. olay.com.

GROOMING: BRUSH-ON SUNSCREEN

If you have a convertible or a boat, you know that sometimes it's hard to keep a hat on when you pick up speed. To protect any exposed scalp, don't forget your sunscreen. One of the most popular for that purpose is Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 30 from Colorscience

Brush it over your head (or hands and face). One of its benefits is that it provides coverage and color - it comes in shades from medium to tan. $57. Charlotte Plastic Surgery. 

GROOMING: TOP BOBBI BROWN PRODUCTS FOR MEN

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic is one of the brand's most popular products for men. 

In 1991 when makeup artist Bobbi Brown launched her namesake cosmetics company, she probably had no idea that one day men would also be fans of the brand's skincare line.

Justin Pittman, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics' Account Coordinator for the Carolinas, explains this growing trend among men: 

Justin Pittman, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics' Account Coordinator for the Carolinas

"Everyone, whether they're a man or a woman, needs to make sure they're taking care of their skin properly," Justin says. "Men really like the quality of the products and the packaging. Everything has very clean lines and most of it is in clear containers with a black cap - it doesn't look very feminine."

That doesn't mean men are flocking to Bobbi Brown cosmetic counters in department stores -  they're still shy about buying the products in person. "I hear many of our female customers say their husbands won't come (to the Bobbi Brown cosmetics counter), but they'll take their wives' Bobbi Brown eye cream and moisturizer and then get upset when it starts to run out." 

Justin says his main advice to men is to hydrate. "If all you're doing now is washing your face and shaving, just adding a moisturizer makes a huge difference."

Here's Justin's list of the top eight Bobbi Brown products men use the most, and why they're popular.

1. Lathering Tube Soap ($34). "Men want a squeaky clean feeling after they wash their face."

2. Hydrating Face Tonic ($34). "It's alcohol-free so there's no burning or stinging and it helps remove any oil or residue left on the skin after cleansing."

3. Extra Repair Serum ($114). "It's so important for men to use a serum also because it's made to penetrate the skin much deeper than a moisturizer." 

4. Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm SPF 25 ($98). "Guys don't want anything that feels sticky or heavy. They should be using at least an SPF 15, but higher is better, especially if they're outside a lot. This is great for men with dry skin who want sun protection. If you have sunroof, don't forget to apply this to exposed parts of your head."

5. Extra Eye Repair Cream ($74). "Everyone needs an eye cream. This is a moisturizer and a treatment product that melts into the skin, feels great, brightens and helps with fine lines. Just rub it between your fingers to warm it up and pat it around the eye area." 

6. Buffing Grains For Face ($46). "Everyone, even men who shave, should exfoliate their face once or twice a week. Add the grains to the cleanser and it turns it into an exfoliator that makes the shave smoother, and it helps with eliminating ingrown hairs and razor burn."

7. Lip Balm SPF 15 ($23). "Instead of having to apply a cheaper drugstore lip balm constantly, this one doesn't feel heavy and and it works all day. It also comes in a stick formula if you prefer to apply it directly to your lips."

8. Hydrating Face Cream ($60). "Guys don't want anything that feels sticky or heavy. This is a lightweight cream with vitamin enriched water to help hydrate and condition the skin."